Arentshof and the environment

The name Arentshof refers to the last owner. It is a sort of courtyard, weIl suited to the mansion.

Arentshof

The park features a group of statues symbolising the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Behind, there is an idyllic tableau showing two fighting cherubs, who represent War and Peace.The Arentshof offers us a fine view of the facades of the Gruuthuse.

The facades of the Gruuthuse

This was the house of the lords of gruut. Gruut was a blend of herbs used to flavour beer. The family succeeded in monopolising the trade in gruut. It was a lucrative trade that ensured its prosperity.

The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk

Via the Bonifacius Bridge, we walk along the choir aisle to the front of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady), one of the oldest parishes in the city. At 122 metres, it has the highest brick steeple in the world.

The old Sint-Janshospitaal

Opposite the church lies the old Sint-Janshospitaal(St John's Hospital). This was founded before 1188, and is therefore regarded as the oldest hospital in Europe. Patients were admitted until 1976. The Memling Museum is now housed in the former hospital wards. The nineteenth-century wards are now used as conference rooms.